{"id":5150,"date":"2023-12-28T14:50:07","date_gmt":"2023-12-28T06:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers"},"modified":"2024-04-19T14:11:12","modified_gmt":"2024-04-19T06:11:12","slug":"tips-for-foreign-managers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding China&#8217;s Business Culture: Tips for Foreign Managers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In China, building strong <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/jobs?type=marketing\">business relationships<\/a> (guanxi) is key before any deals can be made. Take time to get to know your partners well beyond just work. Share meals, give appropriate gifts, and find common interests to make deeper connections. The Chinese highly value trust and loyalty in business.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-6561\" src=\"https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060154782-300x200.jpg?imageView2\/0\/format\/webp\/q\/75\" alt=\"Understanding China&#039;s Business Culture Tips for Foreign Managers\" width=\"661\" height=\"440\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060154782-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060154782-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060154782-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060154782-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060154782-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 661px) 100vw, 661px\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers\/#Respect_Hierarchy\" title=\"Respect Hierarchy\">Respect Hierarchy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers\/#Seek_Harmony\" title=\"Seek Harmony\">Seek Harmony<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers\/#Adapt_Your_Communication_Style\" title=\"Adapt Your Communication Style\">Adapt Your Communication Style<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers\/#Understand_Chinese_Time_Orientation\" title=\"Understand Chinese Time Orientation\">Understand Chinese Time Orientation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers\/#Highlight_Mutual_Benefits\" title=\"Highlight Mutual Benefits\">Highlight Mutual Benefits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers\/#Respect_Local_Customs\" title=\"Respect Local Customs\">Respect Local Customs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers\/#Navigate_Legal_Barriers\" title=\"Navigate Legal Barriers\">Navigate Legal Barriers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers\/#Leverage_Personal_Connections\" title=\"Leverage Personal Connections\">Leverage Personal Connections<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/tips-for-foreign-managers\/#Adapt_Your_Management_Style\" title=\"Adapt Your Management Style\">Adapt Your Management Style<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Respect_Hierarchy\"><\/span>Respect Hierarchy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Understand the hierarchical nature of Chinese companies. Defer to the most senior person for decisions. Ensure any issues or requests go through proper channels. Be patient and avoid going over someone&#8217;s head. Make an effort to acknowledge everyone&#8217;s status.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seek_Harmony\"><\/span>Seek Harmony<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chinese culture emphasizes harmony, order and unity. Avoid confrontation or saying &#8220;no&#8221; directly if it can be avoided. Frame critiques gently by asking questions or making suggestions. Building consensus is very important in meetings.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adapt_Your_Communication_Style\"><\/span>Adapt Your Communication Style<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chinese communication is often more indirect. Look for subtle cues and meaning between the lines. Silence can signify disagreement or time to reflect. Be observant of body language. Avoid aggressive or blunt communication.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understand_Chinese_Time_Orientation\"><\/span>Understand Chinese Time Orientation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>China takes a longer-term outlook with business and relationships. Don&#8217;t expect negotiations to conclude quickly. Allow time for extended small talk. Avoid impatience or giving ultimatums. Understand delays may happen, exercise flexibility.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Highlight_Mutual_Benefits\"><\/span>Highlight Mutual Benefits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Rather than focusing exclusively on your own goals, also emphasize how the Chinese company can benefit from the relationship. Demonstrate how cooperation can lead to a win-win situation to build enthusiasm and trust.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Respect_Local_Customs\"><\/span>Respect Local Customs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Make an effort to understand Chinese cultural customs, especially around etiquette for meetings, dining, exchanging business cards, etc. Not adhering to cultural norms can offend and damage business relationships. When in doubt, ask your Chinese counterparts.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Navigate_Legal_Barriers\"><\/span>Navigate Legal Barriers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Have patience and manage expectations when it comes to legal processes in China. Bureaucracy often hinders efficiency. Be prepared for lengthy delays registering businesses, permissions, licensing and visas. Hire local legal help.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Leverage_Personal_Connections\"><\/span>Leverage Personal Connections<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Personal connections open doors faster than cold calling in China. Leverage any relationships your company may have with the Chinese diaspora community, sister cities or exchange students. Ask associates if they have any contacts that could help.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-6562\" src=\"https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060257866-300x200.jpg?imageView2\/0\/format\/webp\/q\/75\" alt=\"Understanding China&#039;s Business Culture Tips for Foreign Managers 1\" width=\"666\" height=\"444\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060257866-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060257866-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060257866-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060257866-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.hiredchina.com\/2023\/12\/20240419060257866-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adapt_Your_Management_Style\"><\/span>Adapt Your Management Style<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Avoid an authoritarian style. Respect input from all levels, not just executives. Chinese workers appreciate consensus building and empathy from managers. Saving face publicly is also critical. Handle criticisms of individuals delicately.<\/p>\n<p>While challenging at times, taking the effort to truly understand Chinese culture makes a world of difference in managing successful China operations over the long-term. Stay patient, keep an open mind, and embrace new <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.cambridge.org\/dictionary\/english\/perspective\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">perspectives<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In China, building strong business relationships (guanxi) is key before any deals can be made. Take time to get to know your partners well beyond just work. Share meals, give &#8230;","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6563,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[60,164,29],"class_list":["post-5150","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-china","tag-foreign-managers","tag-jobs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5150","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5150"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5150\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6564,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5150\/revisions\/6564"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6563"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5150"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5150"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hiredchina.com\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5150"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}